Your Most-Asked Beauty Questions, Answered

1. Acne Marks FAQ

QUESTION:What can I use to fade acne marks?ANSWER:It all depends on your coloring, according to N.Y.C. dermatologist Anne Chapas, "Fair skin usually ends up with red marks, while darker skin tends to get brown spots," she says. For paler complexions, Chapas suggests an exfoliating treatment with salicylic or glycolic acid, like the Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight amp Fade Gel ($10; cvs.com). If you have olive skin, choose a product with 2 percent hydroquinone to help lighten discoloration. We like the Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel ($60; sephora.com). Stuck with a deep scar? Consider a radio-frequency treatment such as the Ematrix (around $500 per session; 2 to 4 needed). "It rebuilds dermal tissue and requires less downtime than lasers like Fraxel do," says N.Y.C. cosmetic surgeon Yan Trokel.

Courtesy B. Kamins, Courtesy Neutrogena

2. Blackheads FAQ

QUESTION:How can I get rid of blackheads?ANSWER:Start with a benzoyl peroxide gel to kill bacteria and break down and remove dead cells. Use a low-dose 5 percent solution, such as the B. Kamins Chemist 5% Blemish Gel ($26; bkamins.com), then exfoliate daily to prevent blackheads from coming back. The Neutrogena Wave ($12; drugstore.com) includes gentle buffing pads that gently polish skin while opening pores to remove dirt.

Courtesy Dior

3. Undereye Circles FAQ

QUESTION:How to get rid of undereye circles?ANSWER:Those annoying blue shadows are caused by dilated blood vessels beneath thin undereye skin. While creams with skin-plumping vitamins C and K can reduce the circles' appearance in four to five months, the best quick fix is a light-reflecting cover-up. We like the Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen ($36; sephora.com). Choose a shade lighter than your natural skin tone and dab it under your eyes.Do you have more pressing questions about your skin? Ask us now!

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4. Bronzer FAQ

ANSWER:How do I pick the right bronzer?QUESTION:"The key is to find a color that's two or three shades deeper than your natural skin tone," says L.A. celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles. Fair skin looks best in peachy hues like the Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Terre d'Or ($50; chanel.com), which add a bit of warmth. "Pick a shade that's more beige than brown," she says. Golden brown bronzers like MAC's Bronzing Powder in Golden ($22; maccosmetics.com) flatter olive skin, and if you have dark skin, look for a rich bronze with an orange or apricot undertone "so your face isn't monochromatic," says Stiles. The Iman Sheer Finish Bronzing Powder in Sand ($14; walgreens.com) is a warm bronze with just the right amount of shimmer. To apply, L.A. makeup artist Spencer Barnes recommends a dense, fluffy powder blush; it will evenly disperse the bronzer. We like the Darac Beauty Tour Quam Powder Brush ($36; qvc.com). "Use a light hand," he says. "Apply it along the hairline, the bridge of your nose, and the sides of your cheeks. If you darken the whole face, you'll create a muddy cast."

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5. Eyeliner FAQ

QUESTION:How can stop eyeliner from smearing?ANSWER:Be sure to buy a waterproof formula like the Revlon ColorStay Liner ($7; target.com); it's more resistant to smearing. "Eyeliner usually runs when it encounters oils on the skin," says Revlon global artistic director Gucci Westman, who works with Cameron Diaz. Prior to applying, dab an eye-shadow brush into pressed powder (We like Revlon's Photoready Powder, $13; target.com) and gently drag along the lash line to prep the area and prevent smudging. "This helps soak up oils and lock the eyeliner in place," says Westman. And remember: Always apply powder before puttng on mascara, or your lashes may end up getting cakey.

Courtesy Cover Girl, Courtesy Stila. Courtesy Laura Mercier

6. Foundation FAQ

QUESTION:How can I stop my foundation from rubbing off?ANSWER:Thick, creamy formulas are more likely to leave marks on clothing, so opt for a lighter, oil-free liquid like Stila Perfect amp Correct Foundation ($44; sephora.com). First use face primer (such as CoverGirl Simply Ageless Primer, $14; ulta.com) to help makeup stay put. Then when applying foundation, be sure to blend thoroughly. To seal the deal, lightly dust your face with translucent powder. We like Laura Mercier's Translucent Loose Powder ($34; lauramercier.com).Need more makeup tips? Ask us now!

Time Inc Digital Studio, Courtesy Venus

7. Razor Burn FAQ

QUESTION:How can I prevent razor burn?ANSWER:If you're using a foaming shave cream or bar soap to help get stubble-free, that would explain the irritation. "They can be very drying," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Susan Binder. She recommends a non-foaming formula (we love the Amazing Grace Shave Gel by Philosophy, $15; philosophy.com) or a mild cleanser for extra moisture. The proper technique is also important. For the gentlest removal, Binder suggests a razor with no more than two blades like the Gillette Venus ProSkin Moisture Rich Razor($11; drugstore.com) and says to "always shave in the direction of hair growth."

Courtesy Bliss, Courtesy Jouer

8. Décolleté FAQ

QUESTION:I’d like to wear a low-cut dress to a party. Any tips on how to make my decollete look great?ANSWER:First, prep skin by exfoliating with a moisturizing body scrub, says N.Y.C. dermatologist Anne Chapas. Her favorite: Bliss Hot Salt Scrub ($36; blissworld.com). To enhance cleavage, apply a shimmery lotion like Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint ($38; jouercosmetics.com) from the clavicle down, followed by a dab of cream highlighter over the top of the breasts. Finish with a dusting of bronzing powder in the center of your chest, suggests Troy Jensen, Rachel McAdams's makeup artist. "Layer the color softly, and blend it a lot," he says.

Courtesy Xen-Tan, Time Inc Digital Studio

9. Self Tanners FAQ

QUESTION:Do non-smelly self-tanners exist?ANSWER:Since dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in every single formula, creates both the color and the odor, we were surprised to find that St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($30; sttropeztan.com) gives off almost no scent at all. Cosmetic chemist Tim Whiteley says the company achieved this mini-miracle by "chemically altering the molecule and blending fragrance compounds." The Xen-Tan Scent Secure moisturizer ($32; xen-tan.com) can also be applied over your favorite sunless tanner, replacing the "after-tan" smell with a fresh cucumber melon scent.
Do you have more body concerns? Ask us now!

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10. Nail Polish FAQ

QUESTION:How can I stop polish from staining?ANSWER:Try this DIY remedy: Soak nails for a few minutes in a solution of 1/2 cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup olive oil, suggests N.Y.C. manicurist Patricia Yankee. "The lemon juice gently lightens nails, and the olive oil moisturizes to help prevent stains." For really stubborn spots, N.Y.C. nail guru Jin Soon Choi recommends dabbing whitening toothpaste like Crest 3D White Vivid Toothpaste ($4; cvs.com) onto nail beds. "The whitening agents work on nails the same way they do on teeth," explains Choi. Rinse off the paste, then buff nails with a tool like the Dashing Diva Shine-On Buffer ($2; dashingdiva.com) or Revlon Shape-n-Buff ($4; drugstore.com) to remove the top layer of stains. In the future, always apply a base coat. "It's like armor-it creates a barrier stains can't penetrate," says Yankee.

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11. Nails FAQ

QUESTION:How can I make my nails stronger?ANSWER: Start by increasing your intake of biotin, says Great Neck, N.Y. dermatologist Jeannette Graf. The nutrient-found in almonds, dark greens and eggs as well as in supplement form-has been proven to strengthen nails. Then apply a salve like J.R. Watkins Naturals Mango Hand amp Cuticle Salve ($9; jrwatkins.com) or cuticle oil over the entire nail bed every night before bed. We like the Sally Hansen Quick Care Cuticle Treatment ($10; walgreens.com). "This adds hydration and makes it more supple," says L.A. manicurist Jenna Hipp, who works with Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria.

Courtesy OPI (2), Courtesy Tweexerman, Courtesy Seche

12. Manicure FAQ

QUESTION:How can I make my manicure last?ANSWER:It's all in the preparation, says L.A. manicurist Ashlie Johnson. "Make sure your nails are filed smoothly so there are no chips or rough edges. I like to use a glass file to do this, since it's the finest grit." Use cuticle nippers to get rid of any hangnails (Johnson likes the ones by Tweezerman, $25; tweezerman.com), then use an alcohol-based product like the OPI Chip Skip ($12.50; opi.com for salon locations) to remove any oils from the nail plate. Follow with the Orly Bonder Base Coat ($10; orlybeauty.com), then apply two coats of your nail color. "Remember to paint the free edge of the nail to make sure it wont chip, then then finish with a top coat like Seche Vite Top Coat ($10; ulta.com) for a long lasting shine," Johnson adds.
Have any more questions about your nails? Ask us now!

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Acne Marks FAQ

QUESTION:What can I use to fade acne marks?ANSWER:It all depends on your coloring, according to N.Y.C. dermatologist Anne Chapas, "Fair skin usually ends up with red marks, while darker skin tends to get brown spots," she says. For paler complexions, Chapas suggests an exfoliating treatment with salicylic or glycolic acid, like the Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight amp Fade Gel ($10; cvs.com). If you have olive skin, choose a product with 2 percent hydroquinone to help lighten discoloration. We like the Murad Post-Acne Spot Lightening Gel ($60; sephora.com). Stuck with a deep scar? Consider a radio-frequency treatment such as the Ematrix (around $500 per session; 2 to 4 needed). "It rebuilds dermal tissue and requires less downtime than lasers like Fraxel do," says N.Y.C. cosmetic surgeon Yan Trokel.